There is little doubt that Raman Spectroscopy is exceptionally useful as it is already used in a wide range of industries and applications, including chemistry, physics, life, science, medicine, pharmaceuticals, material science, forensics and quality control.
Yet, despite its adaptability and functionality, Raman Spectroscopy is far from being a simple procedure.
While it is a very progressive method, it also demands the best tools possible utilized with appropriate, up-to-date knowledge.
While VR and Lidar are hot topics, often taking the headlines where autonomous vehicles are concerned, Raman should not be undervalued even if it is likely to cause more than a few headaches for students.
What is Raman Spectroscopy
Raman Spectroscopy is a technique frequently used to identify specific properties or characteristics of a material or substance by utilizing a light emitting source, e.g., illuminating the material using a single frequency mode laser diode to gather information based on its vibrational frequencies.
During this process, the light is absorbed, transmitted, reflected, or scattered. A specific wavelength and bandwidth of illumination by a laser diode source corresponds to a characteristic Raman scatter ‘fingerprint,’ enabling pinpointing of both elemental and molecular bonds as well as foreign element identification.
What is Raman Scatter
If light is scattered when reflected back, a collision with inelastic photons occurs, typically referred to as Raman scatter.
Due to the spontaneous nature of the scatter (low signal/intensity relative to Rayleigh scatter) and the variation of detected molecules detected, also known as ‘noise,’ Raman scatter signals are known to be notoriously problematic.
The accuracy and efficiency of detection greatly depend on the wavelength bandwidth, wavelength selection and spatial resolution of the beam.
The Right Laser for the Job
Several types of devices can be utilized for Raman applications, but single-mode laser diodes tend to be the most frequently used. This is due to their capacity to pinpoint targets with accuracy inside the scatter range due to wavelength precision, ±3 nm or less and beam quality. Especially for those with volume bragg-grating (VBG) integrated for ‘wavelength locking.’
Typically, the output for single-mode laser diodes for Raman applications includes those at 785, 830, 980 and 1064 nm with power up to and beyond 100 mW.
Tighter beam tolerance means enhanced detection, distinctive wavelength selection in-between may assist the identification of what is usually unknown.
You’ve Got Options
For decades now, Sheaumann’s high power, single-mode devices have been available to Raman customers, including those in the defense, medical, industrial and handheld device markets.
With single-mode power up to 350 mW at any wavelength between 780-1070 nm.
A Selection of Available Options
- Custom packaging
- Custom wavelength (780-1070 nm range)
- Custom wafer growth/foundry services
- Low and high AR coating options
- Microlens (fast-axis collimator)
- Volume bragg-grating (VBG)
Sheaumann’s capacity to customize products to meet particular needs mitigates risks commonly associated with Raman Spectroscopy.
Developed in the US and subjected to vertically integrated processing and packaging, dependable, fully customizable products are on offer.
Located near Boston, all of Sheaumann’s R&D and production activities are housed efficiently in one centralized facility. This enables the company to have total control over all processes and the versatility to produce custom solutions for OEMs with unique requirements.
Sheaumann’s turn-key facility offers a wide range of packaging services to suit all customer requirements, either in addition to or independent of laser diode growing services.
Offering a range of conventional submounts and modules, Sheaumann’s standard products are designed to fit into almost any system. However, tailor-made packaging is possible can be developed and manufactured by a team of in-house engineers with the expertise to cater exactly to a customer’s specifications no matter what the project.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Sheaumann Laser, Inc.
For more information on this source, please visit Sheaumann Laser, Inc.